Why Michy Batshuayi’s FA Cup performance showed he needs a January loan move

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It was a changed line-up as Chelsea ran out comfortable winners against League 1 Peterborough United. Antonio Conte has rarely rotated in the league, but this was a reminder that Chelsea have strength in depth at the club. That said, they will be hopeful of doing some business this month as they aren’t covered across the pitch after their formation change. Their squad is being changed from one that was geared towards 4-2-3-1 to one that is centred on 3-4-3. Some players will leave and others will arrive, but one player that surely has a future at Chelsea is Michy Batshuayi.

The Belgian has struggled for game-time at Stamford Bridge this season, playing just 84 minutes in the Premier League. He has yet to start in the competition and has been restricted to 12 cameo appearances. It is difficult to develop and adjust to the English game playing that few minutes. There is no doubting his potential, but at the moment Diego Costa is undroppable and Batshuayi isn’t at the level required to really push the Spanish international.

Against Peterborough, Batshuayi showed why he is so highly rated across Europe. He scored the second goal with a good finish inside the penalty area. His finishing has never been in doubt and his ability to unsettle defences with his movement is impressive. He attempted eight shots on Sunday, showing that he remains confident and happy to take the responsibility of scoring goals. The 23-year-old also showed his more unselfish side as he teed up Pedro for the fourth and final Chelsea goal of the afternoon.

In addition to his dangerous movement and goal, Batshuayi’s link-up play was good. Although the opposition wasn’t the best, he kept the ball well, finishing the match with an 85% pass accuracy. Meanwhile, he also completed two key passes during the match, showing that he can do more than just score goals. He has always looked a threat whenever he has been given a chance to play, but there remain areas that he must work on if he is to become a starting striker for a side like Chelsea.

His main problem has been adjusting to the English game, as it is much more physical and he has been bullied at times by opposing centre halves. That was seen in this match as he was dispossessed on five occasions, more than any other player on the pitch. He deserves credit for taking on responsibility in the final third, but he needs to be more intelligent and improve his physicality if he is to seriously challenge Diego Costa. That said, there is reason for optimism with Michy Batshuayi as he is still contributing. There have been other strikers coming from abroad this season that have struggled to adapt, namely Simone Zaza and Vincent Janssen. Batshuayi is having similar problems, but at least he is scoring and creating goals.

There have been rumours that Chelsea are trying to sign Fernando Llorente and are prepared to send Michy Batshuayi in the other direction. The Belgian would likely leave on a loan deal and this could be a good move for both club and player. Chelsea would be getting a more experienced player who is more suited to their style, while Batshuayi would be given the opportunity to gain regular first team football in the Premier League. He can develop away from the spotlight at Stamford Bridge. If this move did go through, it would be a huge coup for Swansea, as they would be getting a young, hungry player who has the potential to play at the highest level. He will be keen to prove that he belongs at Chelsea and Swansea can only benefit from that.

This afternoon showed the good and bad parts to Michy Batshuayi’s game, but it is obvious that he has the potential to play at the highest level. At the age of 23, he needs to be playing regular first team football and it would be smart for Chelsea to let him leave on a temporary basis. He isn’t getting enough football at Stamford Bridge, but he could be a big player in the future. They should let him go and learn his trade in England at another club, before reassessing his situation in the summer.

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